World International Vacation Club - Casa de la Playa

The location of this resort is fantastic--right on the beach, yet in the city within walking distance to the Malecon. A grocery market, bus stops, stores and restaurants are all nearby. The original Casa de la Playa was destroyed by Hurricane Kenna, so an entirely new resort was built in its place. The footprint is still the same and it still has the same 7 units--3 one-bedroom and 4 two- bedroom. (It should be noted that there are 4 floors and no elevator, so be ready to get some exercise if you are on a higher floor.)

In 1995, we stayed in a one-bedroom unit in the original building and, April 12-19, 2008, in the new building. The one-bedroom units are small and, though billed to accommodate as many as four people, really are suitable for only two. The bathroom was teeny. All appliances and furniture were new and comfortable. Since balconies, equipped with chairs and side table, directly overlook the Pacific Ocean, views were breathtaking, especially at sunset.

Very little shade (in the form of umbrellas or palapas) was available either pool- or beachside, so lots of sunscreen (or sunbathing in the early part of the day) was in order.

The staff at Casa de la Playa was wonderful. Everyone went out of their way to help us enjoy ourselves at the resort, local restaurants and activities. As with all WIVC resorts, an orientation meeting was held to get guests acclimated to the area as well as offer tours and activities (WIVC finished selling its properties years ago, so orientations are never about buying timeshares). Our unit was impeccably clean and our maid never missed replacing anything. Hospitality, I think, is what they do best.

The only reason I give a four- instead of five-star rating is because the one- bedroom unit is so small. It was definitely well-equipped and practical and really lacked nothing except space (and a dishwasher--though hand-washing was easy enough).